OUR TEAM
Our Founder and Managing Director
Edrich Carstens
B.Eng (US) Civil
With a background in Civil Engineering from Stellenbosch University, Edrich Carstens brings over four years of experience in Appsheets development, proficiency in Excel, and extensive expertise in Google Sheets to Optimal Edge. Additionally, he has accrued over five years of experience in construction and project management. Edrich’s journey began eight years ago, fueled by a fascination with technology and a drive to solve complex problems. With six years of dedicated experience in systems engineering development, particularly in Google Sheets, Edrich is a master problem-solver, committed to helping companies take significant technological strides forward. His passion lies in bridging the gap between traditional operations and innovative solutions, leveraging the power of Excel, Google Sheets, and AppSheet to drive efficiency and effectiveness in every project.
Our Junior Systems Integration Engineer
Ferdi Coetzee
B.Eng (US) Industrial
Ferdi Coetzee, our Junior Systems Integration Engineer, holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University. Coming from a farming background, Ferdi brings a unique perspective to Optimal Edge, combining his expertise in systems and processes with a keen understanding of real-world challenges. With two years of experience in structure and software development, Ferdi plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration of our solutions into our clients’ operations. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensure that every project rollout is executed with precision and efficiency.
Digital Marketing Manager
Tanika Crafford
BBA in Marketing Management
Driving our marketing endeavors is Tanika Crafford, equipped with a BBA in Marketing and Management. Tanika’s entrepreneurial spirit and extensive marketing background make her an invaluable asset to Optimal Edge. With a finger on the pulse of industry trends and a creative flair, Tanika ensures that our clients’ brands remain visible and relevant in a fast-paced and ever-evolving market. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering exceptional results resonate in every aspect of our administrative and marketing endeavours.
Our History:
Welcome to our journey of innovation and problem-solving! It all began eight years ago during my second year as a Civil Engineering student. I was doing vacation work when I met a Project Manager who was a superuser with Google Sheets. Watching her use technology to manage projects got me hooked on finding smarter ways to do things.
In 2018, I teamed up with my uncle’s construction company. Together, we made our systems and processes better. Then COVID-19 hit, and we had to adapt fast. I spent day and night learning new skills and tool to process and summarize data quicker and work more efficiently with this data.
One day, a friend asked for help regarding data capturing processes on their Olive Farm. They needed to test 700 olive tanks every two weeks, and paperwork was slowing them down. So, we created a digital solution to keep track of everything. It worked so well that we started helping other industries like mining, brick manufacturing, and chemicals.
But it’s not just about technology. We also look at the bigger picture of a company. We find ways to improve company structure, mission, marketing, and management using data to guide us.
At Optimal Edge, we’re here to help you work smarter, not harder. Our expertise covers various systems and problems like timesheets, work tracking in various industries, stock levels, CRM systems, sales representative features, gate control data systems, and more. Join us on our journey as we help businesses thrive with better solutions and smarter decisions.
Mission:
At Optimal Edge, our mission is to empower workforces, especially in South Africa, by providing them with the tools and opportunities to communicate effectively with management through data-driven databases. By bridging the gap between employees and decision-makers, we strive to facilitate collaboration and bring about innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by businesses in developing economies.
Vision:
Our vision at Optimal Edge is to revolutionize the way small businesses operate in South Africa by offering scalable solutions that leverage the power of data. We aim to empower established companies to harness the potential of various data points, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive continuous growth despite resource constraints. Through our customized and continuously developed products, we aspire to propel businesses towards success in an ever-evolving landscape, contributing to the economic development of the region.
At Optimal Edge, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. With a team of dedicated professionals and a commitment to excellence, we are poised to help businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape and achieve their fullest potential.
Join us on our journey as we redefine possibilities, drive meaningful change, and empower businesses to thrive in a digital-first world.
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